Making the most of La Spezia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise vessels berth at the new Molo Garibaldi. From there, the city centre is 15 minutes (2km) away and the railway station is 4km distant. A free shuttle into downtown is normally available.
The cruise port will have capacity for two mega ships simultaneously.
Because La Spezia is a cargo port, passengers may not walk through it independently. Free shuttle buses instead transfer guests to the La Spezia port terminal at the exit. From there, the historic centre is a 20-minute walk along Viale S. Bartolomeo and Viale Italia.
Taxis are available and are especially convenient for La Spezia Centrale railway station, which is 3 km away.
Its excellent natural harbour makes the city Italy's principal naval base. A fine 15th-century cathedral contains terracotta work by Florentine sculptor Andrea della Robbia. Fortified since the Middle Ages, La Spezia suffered severe damage in World War II before Allied liberation in 1945.
Castle of San Giorgio has recently been restored and now houses the important archaeology collection. It is particularly noted for nineteen anthropomorphic sandstone statue-stelae created by Lunigiana's ancient people during the Bronze and Iron Age. Restoration of the old centre has also produced an elegant, orderly district that hosts many appealing musical and cultural events in summer. The castle's foremost feature is its open rooftop, offering grand views over the city, harbour and surrounding mountains...
Monument of Giuseppe Garibald stands in La Spezia's Community Garden, only a few minutes on foot from the picturesque harbour and promenade.
Getting around
Because of overcrowding in Cinque Terre, the Italian government will restrict daily visitor numbers. Check the arrangements with the cruise line.
Cinque Terre, meaning 5 lands, consists of 5 small settlements: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. These villages extend along 18km of jagged cliffs between Levanto and La Spezia, forming one of Italy's treasures.
Walking is a favourite local activity. A broad footpath network links all five villages. Certain Cinque Terre trails are strenuous and difficult, whereas others suit nearly everyone.
Rail is the simplest way to visit Cinque Terre. Daytime trains run between the five villages and stop in every one of the five towns.
Both the railway station, a 20-minute walk away, and the ferry are close. Purchase a Cinque Terre ticket from the National Park office at the station, and validate the card before boarding. A train-only fare is around 2 Euro, with services in both directions 1-2 times per hour.
Ferries operate to Cinque Terre and Portovenere.
Nearby places
Experience the luxury of Forte dei Marmi and explore the highlights of the Versilia coast, with golden beaches, blue sea and sweeping views. Admire the Apuan Alps and Carrara's famous marble quarries.
For Florence, more than 2 hours away, a cruise-organised excursion may be the sensible option. Pisa and Lucca are both easily reached by train.
Food and shopping
At the heart of the Old Town, Via del Prione is one of its principal pedestrian streets, with a handful of shops, restaurants and cafés plus several museums, including the Ethnographic and Art museum. Wander the old lanes, browse the shops, enjoy pizza and Italian gelato or simply absorb La Spezia's atmosphere.
Money
The euro is the currency.
Staying connected
Italian is the local language.
Many cafés provide customers with free WiFi.
For an emergency, call 112.
Opening Hours and
Most Italian shops and businesses trade Monday to Saturday from around 8am to 1pm and about 4pm to 7pm. Many close on Saturday afternoon and Monday morning, while in the south the working day may start and finish an hour later. Some northern businesses follow a 9am-5pm schedule for international dealings. Traditionally, everything except restaurants and bars closes on Sunday, although most towns have a morning pasticceria and Sunday opening is increasingly common in large cities and visitor areas.
The calendar ends with Natale (Christmas) on December 25, after Immaccolata (Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary) on December 8. Earlier holidays are Ognissanti (All Souls Day), November 1; Ferragosto (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), August 15; Labour Day, May 1; Liberation Day, April 25; Pasquetta (Easter Monday); Epiphany, January 6; and New Year's Day, January 1.